Save cover for pressing issues

I have to admit, dear Mountain Xpress, I was put off and disappointed by your cover story, “Going Up?” [Feb. 19, Xpress]. With the wide range of social/political/environmental issues that are currently affecting our community, I was truly surprised that your lead story featured the elevator inside the Flatiron building, its operators and some scandalous moments. I would much rather have seen the article “Spectrum of Support” [Feb 19, Xpress] on the front page, or perhaps some coverage of the Duke Energy coal ash spill (truly devastating), or any other relevant information that helps my awareness grow as a conscientious community member.

What you choose as a frontpage story reflects what you think we are most interested in as a community. By the choice you made last week, I would assume you think the majority of your readers are living in complacent “just moved to Asheville” bliss, with a soft spot for sexy hipster elevator operators. I’m not hating, as I have been one of those blissful creatures. I’m just saying we need cover stories that dispel our ignorance and don’t support it.

I think there could be a place for stories like “Going Up?” — maybe a new section that interviews locals about their interesting workplaces. But please don't feed us shallow material as a cover story. Please continue to be a force that wakes us up and deepens our understanding of the pressing issues affecting us as a community, and keep them in the spotlight.